Pesticides

IT IS UNLIKELY that most Americans would voluntarily consume poisonous substances, yet millions of people unknowingly consume poisonous residues on fruit and vegetables that they eat every day. Pesticides are useful tools in agricultural work because they kill insects and reverse conditions that interfere with the growth of agricultural products.

However, it is virtually impossible to remove all residues before products are sold and consumed. While it is advisable to wash all fruit and vegetables thoroughly before consuming them, the process will not remove all pesticide residues. In addition to the dangers that pesticides pose to individuals who consume trace amounts on food products, pesticides that are not handled properly can create a host of problems for agricultural and horticultural workers. Even if it were possible ...